23 July 2003 1

“The DoD Sustainable Ranges Initiative”

SAME Environmental Affairs CommitteeJanuary 21, 2004

Donald SchregardusDeputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Environment

23 July 2003 2

DoD as Warfighter

23 July 2003 3

DoD as Conservationist

23 July 2003 4

TRAINING AND TESTING ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

Realistic training requires realistic training environments

The ability to field and use advanced military technology is fundamental to U.S. warfare

Our weapons and tactics require increasingly large battlespaces

Readiness is perishable – Skills must be maintained through regular training

We must train as we fight; because we fight as we train

23 July 2003 5

ENCROACHMENT PRESSURES

Frequency Management

Noise Abatement

ESA and Wildlife Habitat

Maritime Issues

Cultural Sites

Population Encroachment

Ability to Train Air Space

Congestion &Competition

Reduced Flexibility

Commercial Development

Wilderness Designations

Air QualityUXO andConstituents

23 July 2003 6

RANGE SPACE REQUIREMENTS

•Higher performance systems•Stand-off & long-range weapons •Increasingly sophisticated training

Smaller Force Doesn’t Mean Reduced Range/Airspace Need

23 July 2003 7

Fort Bragg Encroachment

23 July 2003 8

ENCROACHMENT ISSUES - CAMP PENDLETON EXAMPLE -

23 July 2003 9

LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONAS SOLUTIONS

• Targeted Legislative Change is Appropriate for Some Issues

• Preserve Flexibility to Test and Train and Maintain Readiness

• Not “Exemptions” from this Nation’s Environmental Laws

• DoD Stewardship will be Sustained

• Sustainable Ranges Initiative is much more than just legislative clarification

Legislation is Only One Component of Sustainable Ranges

•ESA•MBTA•MMPA•CAA•RCRA•CERCLA

23 July 2003 10

2002 LAND CONSERVATION PROVISIONS

Land Conservation Partnerships• Habitat (non-contiguous) or compatible land use • Third Party Partnerships with state, local and non-

governmental organizations for conservation easements

• DOD does not own the land

Surplus Property Conveyance• State, local, non-profit• Conservation use only

23 July 2003 11

DoD Partnerships

DoD Initiatives• Service Programs• Regional Workshops• Commanders Guide

Camp Pendelton• Marine Corps, local government, and NGOs• Habitat and compatible land use

23 July 2003 12

PARTNERSHIPS AND OUTREACH AS SOLUTIONS TO ENCROACHMENT

• State legislative efforts promote appropriate land use around installations– Florida Greenways Project– Arizona, California, etc. Legislation

• Develop an active, long-term stakeholder involvement program to support range sustainment– Enhance operations, address agency, local government and

public needs– Maintain partnerships for the long term - collaborate on future

planning

Outreach and Partnerships are Fundamental To Sustainable Range Success